Sunderland have confirmed the signing of young midfielder Jobe Bellingham on a long-term deal. The England youth international arrives from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee - believed to be in the region of £3million.
The 17-year-old enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign with John Eustace's side last season, making 22 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship. Bellingham will wear the number seven shirt during his time at the Stadium of Light and will link up with his team-mates on Monday for the start of pre-season at the Academy of Light.
The England youth international made his debut for Birmingham aged 16 and has represented the Three Lions at Under-16, 17 and 18 level. Having come through the academy at St. Andrews' he's familiar with Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, Stuart English and Mike Dodds who all spent time at Blues earlier in their career.
Speaking after his arrival on Wearside, Speakman said: “Jobe’s a player who is focused on being the best version of himself and for him to feel that Sunderland can best support that progression is a massive endorsement of what we are doing.
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"He has a great range of technical attributes and he will continue to develop physically despite already showing that he can shoulder the demands of Championship football.
"Like we do with all young players, we will give him time to settle and adapt to his new surroundings, but he can’t wait to get out in front of our supporters at the Stadium of Light and I’m sure they will enjoy his journey with us.”
Speakman and the aforementioned Sunderland coaches are credited with helping Jobe's brother Jude in his remarkable ascent to becoming one of the brightest talents in world football.
